JP3236173B2 - Data communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data communication device for transmitting data, and more particularly to a data communication device for transmitting image data input as code information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a document created by a computer or the like is transmitted by facsimile, data expressed in a printer language, for example, a page description language (PDL), which is data normally sent from a computer to a printer, is transmitted via a line. What is known is. The receiving device that has received the data in the printer language via the line expands the data in the printer language into image information and outputs the image information by the output unit. As described above, by transmitting the data in the printer language as it is, the communication time can be shortened. In addition, since the receiving side device develops and outputs the image information based on the data in the printer language received by the receiving device, deterioration of the image quality is reduced. There was no advantage. At this time, if an error occurs during transmission or reception, the error is displayed on the transmission side, or an error report indicating the occurrence of the error is output.

[0003]

However, in the related art, when an error occurs,
Even if it is possible to confirm what kind of error has occurred, since the transmitted image data is composed of data in the printer language, the transmitting user who has received the error display or the error report transmits any image data. It was not possible to visually confirm that it was not possible. Similarly, even when the printer language data is stored in the memory, the image data cannot be immediately visually confirmed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and when an error occurs in transmitting image data input as code information, image data to be transmitted is easily confirmed as a visible image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data communication device capable of performing such operations.

[0005]

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a data communication apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, code input means for inputting image data as code information, transmission means for transmitting image data represented by the code information input by the code input means, and error in transmission processing by the transmission means Detecting means for detecting the occurrence of, image input means for inputting image information corresponding to the code information input by the code input means, and output means for outputting the image information input by the image input means, The output means detects, when the detection means detects the occurrence of an error, error information detected by the detection means, the image information input by the image input means corresponding to the image data to be transmitted input by the code input means. It is output together with.

Code input means for inputting image data as code information, image input means for inputting image information corresponding to image data represented by the code information input by the code input means, and code input means Transmitting means for transmitting the image data represented by the code information input in step 1, identifying means for identifying error information relating to transmission by the transmitting means, and the image input means corresponding to the image data to be transmitted by the transmitting means. Output means for visually outputting the input image information together with the management information of the image data to be transmitted identified by the identification means.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device (hereinafter, referred to as a "reader unit") for converting a document into image data;
An image output device 2 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputs image data as a visible image on recording paper in response to a print command (hereinafter, referred to as a “printer unit”). It is a connected external device and can perform various functions. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for transmitting and receiving image data, a file unit 5 for filing various data, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, and a computer 12 as circuits for executing various image processing functions. A formatter unit 8 for converting information from the reader unit into a visible image, an image memory unit 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 or temporarily storing information sent from the computer 12, and the above functions (Reader unit 1, Printer unit 2, Fax unit 4, File unit 5,
A control device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as a “core unit”) that controls the external storage device 6, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9) is provided. Reference numeral 11 denotes a hard disk, 12 denotes a computer having functions as a workstation (WS) and a personal computer (PC).
3 is a telephone line.

The function of each of the above units will be described below.

Description of Reader Unit 1 The reader unit 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original platen glass surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 105, 106,
Passes through a lens 108 sequentially through 107, and then a CCD
The image is input to an image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD).

Next, the image processing in the reader unit 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing the signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is converted into an electric signal which is photoelectrically converted here. CCD10
9 from the next amplifier 110R, 110
G and 110B amplify the signal in accordance with the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to a shading circuit 112, where the unevenness of the orientation of the lamp 103 and the unevenness of the sensitivity of the CCD 109 are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is Y
Signal / color detection circuit 113 and external I / F switching circuit 1
19 is input. The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113
The signal from the shading circuit 112 is operated by a predetermined formula to obtain a Y signal. Further, 7 signals from the R, G, and B signals
A color detection circuit that separates the color into two colors and outputs a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. Zooming in the sub-scanning direction is performed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and scaling in the main scanning direction is performed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. In this scaling / repeat circuit 114,
Since resolution conversion of multi-valued data can be performed in real time, high image quality can be maintained. The method of resolution conversion of the scaling / repeat circuit 114 will be described later in detail. Further, it is possible to output a plurality of identical images at high speed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing the high-frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. A signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to a marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117. A marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of the document written with a marker pen of a designated color to generate contour information of the marker, and a next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs this contour. Perform fattening, masking and trimming from information. Also, Y
Patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the signal generation / color detection circuit 113. An output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118 and converts variously processed signals into signals for driving a laser. Laser driver circuit 11
The signal 8 is input to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing with an external device will be described.

When outputting image information from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120. When inputting image information from the external device 3 to the reader unit 1, the external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above image processing is performed according to an instruction from the CPU 122. Further, the area generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing from the values set by the CPU 122. CPU 122
The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the. The SUB CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 using a built-in communication function.

Description of Printer Unit 2 The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 shown in FIG.
02 is irradiated with a light beam. The photoconductor 20 is irradiated by the irradiation light.
2 is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper stacking unit 2 is synchronized with the latent image.
The transfer paper is conveyed by 04 or 205, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 207, the image is discharged from the sheet discharging unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to each bin in the sorter 220 when the sort function is working, or to the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. You.

Description of the External Device 3 The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and controls signals and various functions in a core unit 10 in the external device 3. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit 5 for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing them, and a formatter unit 8 for expanding code information from the computer into image information and an interface between the computer. A computer interface unit 7, an image memory unit 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 and temporarily storing information sent from the computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions
Consists of

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the core unit 10 of the external device 3 will be described in detail with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

Description of Core Unit 10 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 described above.

The connector 1001 of the core unit 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 by a cable. The connector 1001 contains four types of signal lines, and the signal line 1057 is an 8-bit multilevel video signal line.
The signal line 1055 is a control signal line for controlling a video signal. The signal line 1051 is connected to the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1.
Signal line for communicating with The signal line 1052 is a signal line for communicating with the SUB CPU 123 in the reader unit 1. The signal line 1051 and the signal line 1052 are connected to the communication IC 1
In step 002, communication protocol processing is performed, and communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1053.

The signal line 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and is capable of receiving information from the reader unit 1 at the core unit 10 and outputting information from the core unit 10 at the printer unit 2. . The signal line 1057 is connected to the buffer 1010, where it is separated from a bidirectional signal line into unidirectional signal lines 1058 and 1070. Signal line 105
Reference numeral 8 denotes a signal line for handling an 8-bit multi-level video signal from the reader unit 1, and a next-stage look-up table (LUT)
1011 is input. The LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value. LUT10
The output signal line 1059 from 11 is connected to the binarization circuit 1012 and the selector 1013. Binarization circuit 1
012, a simple binarization function for binarizing the signal of the signal line 1059 for handling multi-valued signals at a fixed slice level, and a variable binarization function in which the slice level fluctuates from the values of pixels around the target pixel. It has a binarizing function and a binarizing function by an error diffusion method. The binarized information is converted to a multi-level signal of 00H when it is 0 and FFH when it is 1 and is input to the selector 1013 at the next stage. Selector 1013
Is the signal from the LUT 1011 or the binarization circuit 1
012 One of the output signals is selected. Selector 1013
Is connected to the selector 1014. The selector 1014 converts output video signals from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9 into connectors 1005, 1006, 1007, and 1, respectively.
The signal of the signal line 1064 input to the core unit 10 via the 008 and 1009 and the output signal line 106 of the selector 1013
One of the 0 signals is selected according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. An output signal line 1061 of the selector 1014 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 converts the input image signal into +90 degrees and -90 degrees.
It has a function to rotate by +180 degrees. Rotating circuit 10
Reference numeral 15 denotes a binarization circuit 1 for converting information output from the reader unit 1
After being converted into a binary signal at 012, the rotation circuit 1015
And stores it as information from the reader. Next, the CPU 100
In response to the instruction from 3, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information. The selector 1016 is connected to the rotation circuit 1
015 output signal line 1062 and the rotation circuit 101
5, the signal of the input signal line 1061 is selected,
As signals on the signal line 1063, a connector 1005 to the fax unit 4, a connector 1006 to the file unit 5, a connector 1007 to the computer interface unit, a connector 1008 to the formatter unit 8, a connector 1009 to the image memory unit 9, and a selector 1017 Output to

A signal line 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. . The signal line 1064 is connected to the fax unit 4, the file unit 5,
A synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9. The above signal line 1
A video control circuit 1004 controls the synchronous bus between the signal line 063 and the signal line 1064, and the control is performed by an output signal line 1056 from the video control circuit 1004. The signal lines 1054 are connected to the connectors 1005 to 1009, respectively. Signal line 1054
Is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus for asynchronously exchanging data commands. Fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, image memory unit 9, and core unit 1.
The transfer of the information with the two video buses 106
3, 1064 and the CPU bus 1054.

A signal line 1064 from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9 is connected to a selector 1014.
Is input to the selector 1017. Selector 1016
Causes the signal on the signal line 1064 to be input to the next rotation circuit 1015 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The selector 1017 selects one of the signals on the signal lines 1063 and 1064 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. Output signal line 1065 of selector 1017
Are the pattern matching circuit 1018 and the selector 101
9 is input. The pattern matching circuit 1018
The signal on the input signal line 1065 is subjected to pattern matching with a predetermined pattern, and when the pattern matches, a predetermined multi-level signal line is output to the signal line 1066. If they do not match in the pattern matching, the signal on the input signal line 1065 is output as the signal 1066.

The selector 1019 selects one of the signal on the signal line 1065 and the signal on the signal line 1066 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal of the selector 1019 passes through the signal line 1067 and is input to the next-stage LUT 1020.

The LUT 1020 converts the signal on the input signal line 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting image information to the printer unit 2.

The selector 1021 selects one of the signal on the output signal line 1068 and the signal on the signal line 1065 of the LUT 1020 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. Selector 10
The signal on the output signal line 21 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 at the next stage.

The enlargement circuit 1022 can set an enlargement magnification independently in the X direction (sub scanning direction) and the Y direction (main scanning direction) in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. Enlargement circuit 1022
Is output to the buffer 1010.

The signal line 10 input to the buffer 1010
The signal 70 is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001 via the bidirectional signal line 1057 and printed out according to the instruction of the CPU 1003.

Hereinafter, the flow of signals in the core section and each section will be described.

Core unit 1 based on information from fax unit 4
Operation of 0 A case where information is output to the fax unit 4 will be described.
The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3
The information is connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. Connector 1
The image information input to 001 is input to the buffer 1010 through a multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057. The buffer circuit 1010 converts the bidirectional signal 1057 into a one-way signal according to an instruction from the CPU 1003,
Is input to the LUT 1011 via. The LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader 1 into a desired density value using a look-up table. For example, it is possible to skip the background of a document. The output signal line 1059 of the LUT 1011 is input to the next-stage binarization circuit 1012.
The binarization circuit 1012 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal on the signal line 1059 into a binary signal. The binarization circuit 1012 is
00H when the valued signal is 0, FFH and 2 when it is 1,
Into two multi-level signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the selector 1013 and the selector 1014. The signal of the output signal line 1062 of the rotation circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016, and the selector 1016 selects either the signal of the signal line 1061 or the signal of the signal line 1062. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 1003 communicating with the fax unit 4 via the CPU bus 1054. Output signal line 106 from selector 1016
The signal of No. 3 is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 1005.

Next, a case where information is received from the fax unit 4 will be described. Image information from the fax unit 4 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005. The signal of the signal line 1064 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. When rotating and outputting an image at the time of facsimile reception to the printer unit 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal on the signal line 1064 input to the selector 1014. The signal on the output signal line 1062 from the rotation circuit 1015 is input to the pattern matching circuit 1018 via the selector 1016 and the selector 1017. The signal on the signal line 1064 is output to the signal line 1065. When the image at the time of facsimile reception is output as it is to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the signal of the signal line 1064 input to the selector 1017 is
Enter 8

The pattern matching circuit 1018 has a smoothing function for smoothing out jagged portions in an oblique line portion of an image at the time of facsimile reception. The signal subjected to pattern matching is sent to the LUT 10 via the selector 1019.
Enter 20. The LUT 1020 stores a density conversion table of the LUT 1020 in the CPU 100 in order to output a facsimile-received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density.
3 can be changed. The signal on the output signal line 1068 of the LUT 1020 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The enlargement circuit 1022 enlarges an 8-bit multi-value having two values (00H, FFH) by a linear interpolation method of the first order. 8 having many values between 00H and FFH output from the enlargement circuit 1022
The bit multi-level signal is transmitted from the buffer 1010 to the connector 100
1 to the reader unit 1. The reader unit 1 transmits this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 1 via the connector 120.
19 is input. The external I / F switching circuit 119 includes:
A signal from the fax unit 4 is converted into a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 11
Enter 3 After the output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, it is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on output paper.

Core unit 1 based on information from file unit 5
Operation of 0 A case where information is output to the file section 5 will be described.
The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3
The information is connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. Connector 1
The image information input to 001 is transmitted to the one-way signal line 1058 by the buffer 1010. Signal line 10
The 58 multi-valued 8-bit signals are converted into signals having desired density values by the LUT 1011. The signal on the output signal line 1059 of the LUT 1011 is supplied to the connector 1006 via the selector 1013, the selector 1014, and the selector 1016.
Is input to That is, the data is transferred to the file unit 5 without changing the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015, while maintaining the 8-bit multi-value. CPU bus 1054 of CPU 1003
When filing of a binarized signal is performed by communication with the file unit 5 via the CPU, the functions of the binarizing circuit 1012 and the rotating circuit 1015 are used. The binarization processing and the rotation processing are the same as those in the case of the above-described facsimile, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a case where information is output from the file section 5 will be described. Image information from the file unit 5 is input to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 via the connector 1006 and the signal line 1064. In the case of 8-bit multi-level filing, the selector 1017 is provided. In the case of binary filing, the selector 1014 or 1
It is possible to input an image signal to 017. In the case of binary filing, the description is omitted because it is the same processing as fax. Selector 101 for multi-valued filing
7 from the output signal line 1065 to the selector 1019
To the LUT 1020 via the. In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. LUT1
020 from the selector 10
The signal is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the reference numeral 21. The signal on the 8-bit multi-level signal line 1070 enlarged at a desired enlargement ratio by the enlargement circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. Reader unit 1
The information of the file unit 5 sent to the printer 2 is output to the printer 2 and an image is formed on an output sheet, similarly to the above-described facsimile.

Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Computer Interface Unit 7 The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3.
SCSI, RS as computer interface
232C, and a plurality of interfaces for communicating with the Centronics system. The computer interface unit 7 has the above three types of interfaces,
Information from each interface is sent to the CPU 1003 via the connector 1007 and the data bus 1054.
The CPU 1003 performs various controls according to the contents transmitted.

Operation of the core unit 10 based on information from the formatter unit 8 The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 into image data.
If the CPU 1003 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054 is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 transmits the data via the connector 1008 to the formatter unit 8.
Transfer to The formatter unit 8 develops a visible image from the transferred data in the image data memory.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on output paper will be described.
The image information from the formatter unit 8 is supplied to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008 by two values (00H, FF).
H). Signal line 106
The signal of No. 4 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. The selector 101 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003
4 and 1017 are controlled. Hereinafter, since it is the same as the case of the above-mentioned fax, the description is omitted.

Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Image Memory Unit 9 A case where information is output to the image memory unit 9 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the read image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the original according to the instruction. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 includes a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057 and a buffer 10.
10 to the LUT 1011. LUT101
1 is output to the selector 1013,
The multivalued image information is transferred to the image memory unit 9 via 1014, 1016 and the connector 1009. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is
To the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1054. The CPU 1003 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. Computer interface unit 7
Are the three types of interfaces described above (SCSI, R
(S232C, Centronics) to the computer 12 through a desired interface.

Next, a case where information is received from the image memory unit 9 will be described. First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10
From the computer interface unit 7 to the CPU bus 1
When it is determined that the data transmitted via the connector 054 is data relating to the image memory unit 9, the connector 10
09 to the image memory unit 9. Next, the image memory unit 9 connects the signal line 10 via the connector 1009.
The 64 8-bit multilevel signals are transmitted to the selectors 1014 and 1017. An output signal from the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 is output to the printer unit 2 and forms an image on an output sheet in the same manner as the fax unit 4 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.

Description of Fax Unit 4 Hereinafter, the configuration of the fax unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.

The fax section 4 is connected to the core section 10 by a connector 400 and exchanges various signals. Core part 10
Is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, the signal of the signal line 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404, and the memories A405 and B406 are controlled by the memory controller. , The memory C 407, the memory D 408, or a cascade connection of two sets of memories. The memory controller 404 includes the CPU 41
According to the instruction of 2, a mode for exchanging data with the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 and the CPU bus 462, and a mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , Memory A 405, memory B 406, memory C 407, and memory D 408
Magnification circuit 403 under the control of MA controller 402
A mode for exchanging data with the bus 454 from the
A mode in which the binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409;
08 to read out memory contents from any of signal lines 4
52, and has five functions of a mode for outputting to 52. Memory A
405, memory B406, memory C407, memory D4
08 each have a capacity of 2 Mbytes,
An image equivalent to A4 is stored at a resolution of dpi. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 and the signal line 45.
9 and a control signal (HS
YNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) and generates signals to achieve the following two functions. One is to store the image signal from the core unit 10 in the memory A405.
A function of storing data in any one memory or two memories of the memory D 408,
A function of reading an image signal from any one of the memory D 408 and transmitting the image signal to the signal line 452. In the dual port memory 410, a CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected via a signal line 461, and a CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 via a signal line 462. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 410. SCSI controller 41
The interface 3 interfaces with the hard disk 11 connected to the facsimile unit 4 in FIG. 1 and stores data at the time of facsimile transmission and facsimile reception.
The CODEC 411 includes a memory A405 to a memory D408.
Reads image information stored in any of M
After encoding is performed by a desired method such as H, MR, or MMR, the information is stored as encoded information in one of the memories A405 to D408. In addition, it reads out the encoded information stored in the memories A405 to D408 and reads MH,
After decoding by the desired method of MR, MMR method,
Decoding information, that is, image information is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408. MODEM
Reference numeral 414 denotes a function of modulating encoded information from the hard disk 11 connected to the CODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413 to transmit the information to the telephone line, and demodulation of information transmitted from the NCU 415 to convert the information into encoded information. Then, the encoded information is transferred to the hard disk 11 connected to the CODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413. The NCU 415 exchanges information with an exchange installed directly at a telephone office or the like, which is directly connected to a telephone line, according to a predetermined procedure.

An example of the facsimile transmission process will be described below. The binary image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 400 and reaches the memory controller 404 through the signal line 453. The signal on the signal line 453 is
The data is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is determined by a signal on the timing signal line 459 transmitted from the reader unit 1 via the signal line 453.
Generated by The CPU 412 is a memory controller 4
04 memory A405 and memory B406
411 is connected to the bus line 463. CODEC41
1 reads out the image information from the memory A 405 and sets the MR
Encoding is performed by the method, and the encoded information is written to the memory B 406. CODEC 41 for A4 size image information
When 1 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412 stores the encoded information in the memory B40.
6 and sequentially transferred to the MODEM 414. M
ODEM 414 modulates the encoded information, and
Facsimile information is transmitted on the telephone line via 415.

Next, an example of the facsimile receiving process will be described. Information sent from the telephone line is NCU
415, and the NUC 415 connects the fax unit 4 to the telephone line in a predetermined procedure. Information from the NCU 415 enters the MODEM 414 and is demodulated. CPU 41
2 stores information from the MODEM 414 in the memory C 407 via the CPU bus 462. When the information of one screen is stored in the memory C407, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to control the memory C407.
Data line 457 to line 46 of CODEC 411
Connect to 3. The CODEC 411 sequentially reads and decodes the encoded information of the memory C407, that is, stores the encoded information in the Merimo D408 as image information. CPU 412
Communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 410, and makes settings for printing and outputting an image from the memory D408 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. When the setting is completed, the CPU 412
The timing generation circuit 409 is activated and the signal line 4
From 60, a predetermined timing signal is output to the memory controller. The memory controller 404 reads out the image information from the memory D 408 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 409, and transmits the image information to the signal line 452.
Output to the connector 400. The description up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described for the core unit 10 and will not be described. The fax unit 4 can also transmit and receive coded information via a line. Since the procedure is the same, the description is omitted.

Description of Computer Interface Unit 7 The computer interface unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

Connector A700 and Connector B701
Is a connector for a SCSI interface. The connector C702 is a connector for a Centronics interface. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. Connector E707
Is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A700 and connector B701).
When connecting devices having a plurality of SCSI interfaces, cascade connection is performed using the connector A700 and the connector B701. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected on a one-to-one basis, the connector A700 and the computer are connected with a cable, the connector B701 is connected with a terminator, or the connector B701 and the computer are connected with a cable, and the connector A700 is connected with the connector A700. Connect a terminator. Connector A700 or Connector B
Information input from the SCSI I / F-A 704 or SCSI I / F-A 704 via the signal line 751
Input to FB708. SCSI I / F-A704
Alternatively, the SCSI I / F-B 708 outputs data to the connector 707E via the signal line 754 after performing a procedure according to the SCSI protocol. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10, and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 receives information input to the SCSI I / F connector (connector A700, connector B701) from the CPU bus 1054. Data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is SCS
I. Connector (Connector A700, Connector B701)
Is output in the reverse procedure.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702, and is input to the Centronics I / F 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the core 1
0 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the
CPU 1003 receives the information input to the Centronics I / F connector (connector C702) from the CPU bus 1054.

The RS232C interface is connected to the connector D703, and connected to the RS232C interface via the signal line 753.
232C I / F 706. RS232C ・
The I / F 706 receives data according to the determined protocol procedure, and connects the connector E via the signal line 754.
707. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10,
The PU 1003 is connected from the CPU bus 1054 to the RS232
The information input to the C / I / F connector (connector D703) is received. Data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is transmitted to an RS232C / I / F connector (connector D7).
03) is performed in the reverse order of the above.

Description of Formatter Unit 8 The configuration and operation of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG.

The data from the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG. 1 is determined by the core unit 10, and if the data is related to the formatter unit 8,
0 of the CPU 1003 is a connector 1008 of the core unit 10.
The data from the computer is transferred to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data transmitted from the computer from the dual port memory 803. The CPU 809 sequentially expands the code data into image data, and outputs the image data to the memory A 806 or the memory B via the memory controller 808.
The image data is transferred to 807. The memory A 806 and the memory B 807 each have a capacity of 1 Mbytes,
One memory (memory A 806 or memory B 80
In 7), an A4 size image can be stored at a resolution of 300 dpi. When storing an A3-size image at a resolution of 300 dpi, the memory A 806 and the memory B 807 are cascaded to develop image data. The above memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809. If the rotation of characters or figures is required when developing the image data, the rotation is performed by the rotation circuit 804 and then the memory A 806 is rotated.
Alternatively, the data is transferred to the memory B807. When the development of the image data in the memory A 806 or the memory B is completed,
The PU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to control the data bus line 858 of the memory A 806 or the memory B
The data bus line 859 of 807 is connected to the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 80
9 is a core unit 10 via the dual port memory 803.
Communicates with the CPU 1003 of the memory A 806 or
A mode for outputting image information from the memory B 807 is set. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 sets the print output mode of the CPU 122 via the communication circuit 1002 in the core unit 10 by using a communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 includes a connector 1008 and a connector 80 of the formatter unit 8.
Then, the timing generation circuit 802 is activated via the “0”.
The timing generation circuit 802 generates a timing signal for reading image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 to the memory controller 808 according to a signal from the core unit 10. Memory A806 or memory B8
07 is input to the memory controller 808 via the signal line 858. Output image information from the memory controller 808 is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. Core part 1
The output from 0 to the output of the printer unit 2 has been described in the core unit 10 and will not be described.

Next, in this embodiment, the computer 1
2 data in the printer language, for example PD
A case where image data composed of L data is transmitted by the fax unit 4 via the telephone line 13 will be described.

First, the PDL data sent from the computer 12 is stored in the S
It reaches the core unit 10 via the CSI interface 704. Further, the core unit 10 receiving the PDL data sends the PDL data to the facsimile unit 4 and transfers it to the dual port memory 410. At this time, the fax unit 4
, The data transmitted via the SCSI interface 704, the telephone number of the transmission destination, and image data obtained by expanding the PDL data of the first page are received at the same time. The image data for one page is developed by the formatter unit 8 and then sent to the fax unit 4. The fax unit 4 that receives these data sets the transmission document information in such a manner that the telephone number and reference number of the other party, the image data of the first page, and the PDL data to be transmitted are paired and corresponded to each other. Are registered in the hard disk 11 or the like connected to the fax unit 4 as a transmission document management table. Thereafter, a call is made in accordance with the destination telephone number in the transmission document management table, and a facsimile call is started.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the procedure of a facsimile call in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation T30.

The data transmission / reception procedure will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, when the calling party dials and the called party connects the line, the procedures of phases A to E are started. First, in the phase A, the called party receiving the calling signal from the calling side sends out a CED (called station identification) indicating that the called party is a facsimile of the automatic called. Then, move to Phase B
(Non-standard function), CSI (called terminal identification), and DIS (digital identification signal). Here, in the fourth octet of the FIF (facsimile information field) in the NSF, whether or not the PDL data can be expanded is identified.

The details of the NSF FIF will now be described with reference to FIG.

The first and second octets contain the code of the ITU-T member, that is, the code representing the nationality of the manufacturer. The third octet contains a code representing the manufacturer.
The fourth octet is assigned, for each bit number, the presence / absence of a plurality of PDL code forms. That is, bit 0 is assigned to each type of PDL, such as first PDL data, bit 1 is second PDL data, bit 2 is third PDL data, and so on. If "1"
It is assumed that the PDL data corresponding to this has expansion capability. The fifth octet is assigned as an area indicating that the current operation mode of the formatter unit 8, for example, the mode for expanding the first PDL data is set.

Returning to FIG. 8, the procedure of facsimile transmission and reception will be described.

The calling side receiving the DIS from the called side is NS
S (non-standard function setting), TSI (transmission terminal identification), DC
S (digital command signal) is transmitted. Here, the operation mode and PDL data are specified by the NSS. For example, when specifying the first PDL data, the FI in NSS
The bit 0 of the fourth octet of F is set to “1”. If the first PDL data cannot be expanded on the called side, DC
It sends N (disconnect command) to disconnect the line and outputs an error report. When transmission is possible, training is performed and the state of the line is checked. First, 14.4 kbps
, And sends a TCF (training check). If it is in a good state, the called party returns a CFR, and then proceeds to phase C. If the training result is not good, lower the baud rate. Here, the telephone number of the other party and the state of the line corresponding to the number are stored in the backup memory 417.

After PDL data is trained,
The data in the dual port memory 410 is temporarily transferred to an empty area of the memories A to D, and then the MODE is transferred.
The data is transferred to the line via M414 and NCU 415. When one page of data is transmitted, an RTC (control return signal) is transmitted. When all the PDL data has been transmitted, the procedure moves to phase D. The calling side sends out EOP (end of procedure), and when the end is notified, the called side returns MCF (message confirmation). Then, the process proceeds to phase E, where the line is disconnected by the DCN sent from the calling side, and the facsimile call ends.

The receiving side performs a receiving process according to the flow of the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in S1001, the fax unit 4 receives image data composed of PDL data in the above-described procedure. Next, in step S1002, the received PDL data is transferred from the fax unit 4 to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10. Even if the data transmitted via the line is 1 Mbyte, the data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 by several Kbytes here. Next, in S1003, the transferred PDL data of several kilobytes is developed into image data. Next, in step S1004, the image data expanded into the image data in step S1003 is recorded and output on recording paper by the printer unit 2, and it is determined whether or not to discharge the paper. If a paper ejection command has been issued in step S1004, the flow advances to step S1005, and the printer unit 2 records and outputs image data on recording paper. Next, in S1006, it is determined whether or not there is still received data in the fax unit 4, and if there is, the process returns to S1002 to repeat the process of transferring data and expanding. When all data processing is performed, the operation ends. If there is no paper ejection command in S1004, S1007
The process returns to S1002 to perform the processing of the next data, and the processing is repeated. If there is no data in S1007,
In other words, if all the data received by the facsimile unit 4 has been expanded, but the last expanded page ends without a discharge command, the process proceeds to S1008 assuming that the received data has an error.

In the case of a normal printer, even if all data has been expanded, the data may be sent again from the host computer. Therefore, an error is not immediately generated. When receiving data from the line, the data reception is completed and does not continue. Therefore, the absence of the paper ejection command at the end means that the data is erroneous. However, it is needless to say that the error check may be performed together with the check of the sheet discharge command in S1004 because the memory reception mode may be used. For example, if the memory overflows, the printer generates an error and does not perform the subsequent processing. When such an error has occurred a predetermined number of times, when the error is detected, a process of notifying that the error has occurred may be started.

In step S1008, unprocessed data in the facsimile unit 4 and formatter unit 8 is deleted as an error process. Next, in step S1009, the receiving side becomes the calling side to notify an error to the transmitting side, dials the transmitting side as the called side, and notifies the transmitting side of the error together with the reference number of the document in error.

With the above, the reception processing operation on the reception side is completed.

Next, the flow of the operation of the transmitting side which has received the error notification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1101, based on the reference number and the like of the error notification information received from the receiving side, the transmission document information corresponding to the erroneous document is specified from the transmission document management table registered in the hard disk 11. Next, in step S1102, error information is created based on the transmission document information and the error notification information specified in step S1101. The error information includes a reference number, a destination telephone number, a destination abbreviation, time information, the number of sheets, an error page, an error code, and the like. Next, in step S1103, one page of image information of the corresponding image data is added from the transmission document information, and an error report is created. Next, in S1104, S
The error report created in 1103 is recorded and output by the printer unit 2.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the PDL
In transmitting code information such as data, even if an error occurs, it is possible to easily recognize the document in which the error has occurred.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when transmitting in advance,
Create image information for one page,
However, it is also possible to create one page of image information after receiving the error notification, add it to the error report, and output it.

In this case, when an error is detected without creating image information in advance, the document in which the error occurred is specified, and the PDL data of the first page of the corresponding document is transferred to the formatter unit 8. Develop into image information, add to error report and output. According to this, while saving the capacity of the hard disk 11 connected to the fax unit 4,
Image data can be easily confirmed. In addition, it is possible to select between the method of developing the image information after detecting the error and the method of expanding the image information in advance as described above, and registering the image information in the operation unit (not shown). Good. According to this, a desired method can be selected according to the user's will.

In each of the embodiments described above, the image information is added to the error report. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is desired to confirm the image data of the PDL data stored in the hard disk 11. At this time, the image information may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) or output by a printer unit.

In this case, display or output may be instructed by an operation unit (not shown) to display or output what has been developed into image information in the same manner as described above. The information may be developed and displayed or output. According to this, image data of PDL data stored in the hard disk 11 or the like can be easily recognized.

In the above-described embodiment, when the facsimile transmission has been completed normally, a notification to that effect is sent, and the sending side receiving the notification deletes the sending document information from the sending document management table. Alternatively, the transmission destination may not be notified at the time of normal termination, and the transmission side may delete the transmission document information after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, the transmission document management table may be registered in the external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5 instead of the hard disk 11 of the facsimile unit 4 and the file unit 5 may manage the transmission document information.

In this embodiment, one page of PDL data is developed into image information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Data of a desired data amount may be developed into image information. .

Further, it goes without saying that the data to be transmitted and received is not limited to the PDL data, but may be data of various code information.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, when an error occurs when transmitting image data input as code information, the image data to be transmitted can be easily confirmed as a visible image. Can be.

[0090]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reader unit 1 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit 10 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fax unit 4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer interface unit 7 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a formatter unit 8 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a procedure of a facsimile call.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of an NSF FIF in phase B of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a receiving process on the receiving side.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the transmission side after receiving an error notification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 External device 4 Fax part 5 File part 6 External storage device 7 Computer interface part 8 Formatter part 9 Image memory part 10 Core part 11 Hard disk 12 Computer 13 Telephone line

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-153321 (JP, A) JP-A-7-273924 (JP, A) JP-A-7-87293 (JP, A) JP-A-6-205191 (JP) JP-A-4-47756 (JP, A) JP-A-61-289761 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04N 1/32-1/36 H04N 1/42-1/44

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. Code input means for inputting image data as code information, transmission means for transmitting image data represented by the code information input by the code input means, and error in transmission processing by the transmission means Detecting means for detecting the occurrence of, image input means for inputting image information corresponding to the code information input by the code input means, and output means for outputting the image information input by the image input means, The output means detects, when the detection means detects the occurrence of an error, error information detected by the detection means, the image information input by the image input means corresponding to the image data to be transmitted input by the code input means. And a data communication device for outputting the data. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising connection means for connecting to a computer terminal, wherein said code input means inputs image data from the computer terminal connected via said connection means. Data communication equipment. 3. The data communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said code input means inputs code information composed of a language for a printer. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects that transmission is impossible by said transmitting means.
4. The data communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 3. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means detects that the code information input by the code input means cannot be expanded at a transmission destination of the transmitting means.
The data communication device according to any one of the above. 6. The data communication device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects an error notification from the transmission destination by the transmitting unit. 7. Code input means for inputting image data as code information; image input means for inputting image information corresponding to image data represented by the code information input by the code input means; Transmitting means for transmitting the image data represented by the code information input in step (a), identifying means for identifying error information relating to transmission by the transmitting means, and the image input means corresponding to image data to be transmitted by the transmitting means. An output unit for visually outputting the input image information together with the management information of the image data to be transmitted identified by the identification unit. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a developing unit that expands image data represented by the code information input by the code input unit into image information, wherein the image input unit converts the image information expanded by the expanding unit. The data communication device according to claim 7, wherein the data communication device inputs. 9. A storage unit for storing image data represented by the code information input by the code input unit in association with the image information input by the image input unit. 9. The data communication device according to 7 or 8 .